Sleeping on a train comes with its own specific challenges and whilst it may not have been the most restful, it certainly was unique. The following morning, we awoke to breath-taking views of the snow-capped Swiss Alps which gave way to green mountain pastures, rain-shrouded villages and on to a sunny Milan. The journey continued and as we eventually approached Venice, the sun was beginning to descend and the age-old buildings glowed red and orange. With the halt of the train, our enchanting experience was coming to an end. As we disembarked and took in the golden hues of the setting sun, it was evident the memory of this romantic journey would be with us forever. Paolo indulged us with a final photograph in front of the train. We made our way to the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, the luxury continued on board one the hotel’s wooden Riva launches. We felt like royalty as we cruised along the Grand Canal which afforded a view of the Venetian skyline.
